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How to Rock Dark Lips: A Guide to Wearing Dark Lipstick

Winter is the perfect time to mix up your normal beauty routine. You can switch up your skincare regime with more moisturizing products and trade in that summer bronzer for a dark lipstick.

Halloween has come and gone, but what has stayed on my mind was that dark lipstick I had the courage to try for that one night. I had always thought only brunettes could rock red or dark plum lips, but I must say that I am officially a convert. I recently went to Sephora to try and recreate that dark lip to switch up my winter weekend looks. Yes, I say weekend, because I don’t believe dark lips are appropriate for a weekday office look. However, they are perfect for Saturday drinks with the girls or a party. Now, dark lipstick has become one of my new favorite accessories! Here are a few of my favorite dark lip tips and some must-try brands.

Step 1: Start with a lipliner.

This step is very important! Please, please, please don’t skip on this, or your dark lipstick will not be as polished and refined. Without a lipliner, your color could bleed into the tiny lines around your mouth, resulting in a super messy look. I always like to start in the middle of the top lip, working outwards, followed by the bottom lip, and then finishing off by filling the color in. Sometimes I use my finger to rub in the lipliner to make it look smoother.

This lipliner is extremely long-lasting (and it’s waterproof!) It’s also formulated with Vitamin E and jojoba wax, so it’s really easy to apply.

Step 2: Fill in with a deep plum lipstick.

Apply the dark lipstick of your choice (using a lip brush if you have one). Some of the hottest celebs are rocking this look right now (everyone from Amanda Seyfried and Camilla Belle to Selena Gomez and Beyonce). Going to a party? For an extra long-lasting lip, try applying one coat, blotting (by kissing a piece of paper or a paper towel), and then applying a second coat. This creates a lip stain under the glossy layer to ensure a polished look that will last a long time.

Must-try: Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Mulberry Wine

I spent hours and hours at Sephora trying different dark lipsticks, stains, and glosses, and my favorite is this lipstick. It’s long-lasting, moisturizing, and the intense color looks great on all skin tones and with all hair colors (yes, even blonds like me!) Oh, and this lipstick actually contains anti-aging benefits. Each lipstick has the same amount of the antioxidant resveratrol as in five glasses of red wine!

Extra Tip: Looking for a long lasting lip that doesn’t need to be touched up? Opt for a lip stain like the Buxom® Full-On Lip Tarnishin Blackmail-Blackberry Truffle.

You know how they say you should only pick one body part to flaunt at a time? Well, makeup should be worn with the same philosophy. If you’re going to go heavy on your eye makeup, your lips should be nude. Likewise, when rocking dark lips, make sure to pair them with natural eyes. I usually go with a light cream or golden eyeshadow with minimal eyeliner.

Must-try: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This eyeshadow palette is perfect to pair with dark lips. You get six shades of nude and taupe mattes to give you a little color, while still letting your lips be the star of the show.

Step 4: Mix it up.

Play around with your dark lips to take your look to the next level. Try incorporating another lip color - it will add a whole other dimension! Sometimes I dab a few dots of red lipstick right on the inside of my lips to brighten the look. I also love to apply a bit of black lipstick or eyeshadow to deepen the plum shade.

Must-try: Bite Beauty - The Lip Kit

Try a mini lip kit with multiple colors that allows you to play around. This kit can also give you experience with layering different colors. Find the perfect blend for your lips in no time!